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MySQLers mixed on Ellison's ownership

Forkers no shoo in

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If MySQL forkers Monty Widenus and Brian Aker were hoping that fear of Oracle control over the database might prompt a mass defection, they could be in for a disappointment.

Nearly half – 43 per cent – of MySQL users think development of their database will improve under Oracle, according to a survey by open-source business intelligence specialist Jaspersoft.

A hard core of a fifth of MySQL users, though, do expect development and innovation will get worse. Thirty five per cent expect things to remain about the same.

Most were unaware Larry Ellison's giant had created an independent business unit to protect MySQL from Oracle's main database business.

The fact that the single largest block of MySQLers expects improvements under Oracle is good news for the database giant but is offset by the fact most believe things will either get worse or remain.

It will make uncomfortable reading for the giant, which is generally considered better run than previous MySQL owner Sun Microsystems and with its MySQL unit has moved to allay users' concerns.

The survey also makes difficult reading for Widenius and Aker with their MariaDB and Drizzle forks as the most popular alternative to MySQL for those who plan on switching is PostgreSQL.

Just five per-cent of MySQL users do actually plan on switching now, although Jaspersoft found nearly a fifth – 19 per cent – said it's still too early to say. The results come six months after Oracle finally closed its purchase of Sun, a deal slowed by anti-trust authorities in Europe.

Jaspersoft surveyed more than 500 individuals with 15 per cent working for organizations with than 5,000 employees – organizations included Accenture, DHL, Princess Cruises, and Wells Fargo.